Pages: (11-24 )
Abstract
This paper examined critically how essentialism as promoted in indigenous education could be used to promote morals and societal values among individuals in Nigerian society. Essentialism is the school of thought that says learners should be taught the essential values of the society; while indigenous education is a means of acquiring knowledge traditionally. The study argued that societal values in Nigeria seem to have been given less attention due to the adoption of western culture. The study made use of analytic and prescriptive techniques in the field of philosophy for its methodology. The study argued that some members of the society lapse into immoralities and disobedience to constituted authorities. This paper found out that some individuals do not see education as a tool that can ensure life-long endeavour that required helping us under the societal values. The research concluded that education which portrays accountability, honesty, truth, justice, fairness, equity, among others should be encouraged.
Keywords: Essentialism, indigenous education, values, character, knowledge,